Should Steelers fans have any reason for 2026 optimism?
Should Steelers fans have any reason for 2026 optimism? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Pittsburgh Steelers finally know who their starting quarterback will be after Aaron Rodgers announced his return for 2026.
But that news, while good in the short term, doesn't exactly offer any comfort to Steelers fans who wanted a change after last season's so-so effort.
However, we know Rodgers gives the Steelers a decent floor, but as far as Super Bowl aspirations? No, they aren't there.
But Sports Illustrated's Eva Geitheim has offered a reason for hope for all 32 teams, and when it comes to Pittsburgh, it's oddly Rodgers who has been named as such.
“The Steelers did not have to wait until June for an answer at the quarterback position,” Geitheim wrote. “Aaron Rodgers re-signed with the Steelers on a one-year deal over the weekend, and is with the team for the start of OTAs.”
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Rodgers has all the pressure
With Rodgers as the reason for hope in 2026, which I get to an extent, as he gives the Steelers the best chance at winning games of football, the pressure is on to make sure he does that.
I'd imagine the only reason he's back is that Pittsburgh wants to try for one more postseason run, and teaming up with Mike McCarthy might be its best bet at achieving that.
But Rodgers wasn't brought back to fight for third in the division; he's back to win the division, and with the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals improving this offseason, that is a tall order.
Which is why Rodgers has to make something of what will be his last season in the NFL.
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